Traffic search leads to discovery of drugs and weapons

A routine traffic stop led city police to a cache of drugs and weapons inside a West Side home and the arrest of two people on a variety of charges.

The incident leading to felony charges against 19-year-old Ja’Mon Foster and the arrest of 22-year-old Brittnee Bullen began just before 5 p.m. Monday on Mahoning Avenue when police took notice of a red Ford Expedition driven by Bullen.

Bullen is charged with driving under suspension, endangering children and an outstanding warrant, while Foster is charged with possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and escape.

Police still are looking for Foster.

Police noticed Bullen driving the truck and quickly turning into a driveway on North Portland when she saw the police cruiser. Reports say Bullen was about to back out of the driveway but stopped when she noticed police and instead sat in the driveway blocking the sidewalk.

Police investigated, citing the robberies, burglaries and narcotic sales in the area.

As officers walked up to the car, there reportedly was a strong smell of marijuana, and officers noticed beer cans on the vehicle’s floor. In the vehicle, there also was Bullen’s 10-year-old sister who reportedly was frightened and crying.

Officers placed Bullen in the rear of a marked cruiser and went to the door of the house where Foster came outside and told officers he is the resident living in the house. There reportedly was a strong smell of marijuana coming from Foster and the inside of the house.

Foster and another man living in the house gave officers permission to search the premises. That search netted a list of narcotics throughout the house as well as weapons and ammunition.

Police noted baby-food jars filled with suspected marijuana and other bags of suspected marijuana in the attic. There also was a large bag containing smaller, individually packaged bags of suspected heroin in the attic as well as suspected ecstasy and crack cocaine.

There was at least one firearm, a marijuana grinder and more than $2,000 found in the attic.

Police found various drugs throughout the rest of the house. Officers also found two additional handguns and a loaded shotgun in the house with “a bag of assorted ammunition.”

Police made Foster sit in the living-room area of the house while the search of the home was conducted, but noticed he was reaching in his pockets. They reportedly found more heroin in a pill bottle in his possession.

Foster, with his hands cuffed in front of his body, escaped police custody by running out the front door of the house and through neighboring rear yards. Police were still searching for him late Tuesday.